Low Bone Density - New Study shows no correlation to HIV

Based on what I'm reading in this study on no correlation between low bone density and HIV, I am excited. Should I be excited? There's a study for everything these days.

http://www.poz.com/articles/Bone_Density_761_23224.shtml

Response from Dr. Young

Hi and thanks for posting.

There is a growing appreciation of how common bone problems are among populations of people living with HIV. I did an
interview with the late, great Bonnie Goldman and Professor Todd Brown on this subject a couple of years ago that might serve as useful background. Our group at the HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS)/CDC published
this report that showed that in the US, positives were at significantly greater risk to have bone fractures than the general population and that CD4 nadir count and hepatitis C infection were risk factors. Certain HIV medications have been associated with low bone density (including tenofovir and protease inhibitors). Other studies have shown that non-HIV factors, such as family history, smoking and vitamin D deficiency (among others) are contributory.

Bone problems are multifactorial- in any population of people different factors may contribute more than others.

The study that you mention was of relatively small size, concluded that among gay men in Amsterdam that low bone density was similarly prevalent, in both HIV+ and HIV- individuals. This isn't reason to be excited, it's a cause for concern- it says that life style factors (hopefully reversible ones) dominate the measurable risk for this population of people. Indeed, a similar conclusion was drawn from this study of HIV negative gay men in San Francisco that showed that 10% had abnormally low bone density.

Overall, I advise all of my patients to be aware of their bone health risks, speak to their care providers about testing for low bone density and steps that they can take to avoid osteoporosis and fractures in the future.

This forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional.

Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither TheBody.com nor any advertiser is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 750 3rd Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.